A renowned cave temple situated in the hovering mountain ranges of Himalayas, Vaishnodevi temple in Jammu has got international acclaim as a much desired pilgrim centre. Dedicated to Mother goddess Vaishnodevi, this fabulous shrine allures millions of devotees from all over the world. A deep sense of devotion and faith helps the devotees to mount the tedious journey of 13 kilometers to have a darshan.

Believed to be built by the Pandavas, this shrine is one among the oldest of the all shrines in India. At an altitude of 5200 feet, this temple depicts almost all the deities of the Hindu Pantheon. Legends have it that in order to escape from the tantric, Vaishnodevi went to Trikoot and when her meditation was disturbed she killed the tantric. The idol of the main deity is in the form of natural Pindies, representing Goddes Kali, Saraswathi and Lakshmi. These three stone structures symbolize creative, preservative and destructive characters of the mother goddess.

Pilgrims have to get down at Katra, from where the new route to the shrine starts. Some adventurous people opt for the more tedious steeply pathway which is much harder to ascend. It is mandatory that the tourists should register their names and obtain a yatra slip from the registration office. A slip in hand is so obligatory that without it one would not be permitted to cross the Banganga check post. The authorities do not charge any fee for the slip. The tourists are required to mention the number of other tourists traveling along with them. Tourists are also requested to reveal the mode of their journey to the authorities.

The experience one get in the darshan is so spectacular that they would even forget all haphazard they have under took during their arduous journey. The feeling is so great that it would fetch the devotee again and again to this holy abode of the mother goddess. Nothing would defeat the deep belief and fondness of the devotees and the uphill path offers the unusual site of all class of people walking with the same devotion. Another attribute of visiting this sacred place is the trudging like experience, it provides throughout the mounting path.

Located in the snow clad mountain ranges, this sacred shrine commands the pictorial beauty of the majestic Himalayas. A salubrious climate and the enchanting darshan of the goddess make the arduous journey a worthy one. Natural splendors at its zenith can be enjoyed throughout the sojourn.

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Travel within city

Travelling to Vaishno Devi is a once in a lifetime experience, and tourists and pilgrims alike flock to this temple present in Jammu just to get a glimpse of the goddess. The Vaishno Devi temple is located at a high altitude and tourists have to complete a twelve kilometer (12 km) walk in order to reach the top.

On Foot

The twelve kilometer stretch to the top needs to complete through walk mainly, although other options for transport are available for tourists. These include ponies, palkis and helicopters. You can travel to the top through helicopters too, as this facility is available.

Ponies

Ponies in Vaishno Devi are many and many tourists opt for pony rides to the top. Pony rides are very cheap, and reaching the abode of Vaishno Devi through ponies can cut down on your travel time too. You can opt for a pony ride for around Rs 100 to 200 per head and complete your pilgrimage in comfort.

Palanquin

Palkis are also available for commute to the top, although these are not much preferred. These are platforms that you can sit on which will be then carried to the top by a group of men. A ride in a Palki will cost you around Rs 200 to 300 provided you bargain well with the carriers.

Helicopter

You can also opt for a helicopter ride, which will cost you around Rs 1500 per trip. This is a fast and easy way to reach the top.

Pleasant

Temperature varies from 15 to 38°C in August.

This is the wettest month of the year. The rainfall level is not very high in this region. They might be a cause of inconvenience but not a major annoyance. The natural beauty during the month is worth exploring. Mud slides can occur due to the rains and the roads to the shrine might be closed. For snow, tourists should go to high altitudes.